A mid-century inspired light and bright colors help create a soothing color palette. John Wilbanks Photography
Example of an arts and crafts great room design in Seattle

A live edge table by Urban Hardwoods is complemented by luxurious dining chairs and a beautiful modern organic chandelier by John Pomp. The host chairs feature a pattern which echoes the pattern of the rug in the living room. Photo credit: David Duncan Livingston

From Plain to Fabulous A great thing about building a new home is that you are starting fresh. Being a Florida decorator, many of our clients are moving from the Northern or Mid-West states. We advise them to leave their often dark, large pieces of traditional furniture behind and just bring pieces that have value to them whether sentimental or monetary. This dining room was a pleasure because it was a clean slate with large windows letting in the morning sun. The floors are hand-scraped engineered wood in Brazilian walnut which give the entire home a warm feel to counteract the stark white walls. The home owners have a large art collection and specifically chose the white paint so that the paintings can be seen at their best and moved around the home easily. The owners host many dinner parties throughout the year and wanted a table that was virtually indestructible, and that visitors didn’t have to be careful with. This long Mango wood trestle table comfortably seats between eight and ten and has an antique grey, distressed look that is similar to driftwood. We alternated turquoise and light blue dining chairs for some contrast. An outstanding centerpiece for the room is a dazzling grey chandelier with an outstanding display of brilliant graphite crystals. Hundreds of faceted crystals are suspended from ten fluted glass arms. Wall sconces in chrome with grey linen shades were added and all the lighting is on dimmers for a choice of bright or mood lighting depending on the required ambience. To control the harsh Florida sunlight that can leech color out of furnishings within weeks, we installed light grey Silhouette window shades which keep approximately 97% of harmful UV rays out but still let in light even when fully closed. Traversing draperies were installed floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall providing a spectacular color wall of cream, green, purple and turquoise. The hardware is hidden behind the crown moulding for a clean, modern look. The best part of this design story lies in the large-scale artwork. The home owner had been given the painting years ago when she lived in Philadelphia but the colors didn’t suit her Northern palette. The painting was hidden in the attic but during the move was crated and sent to Florida. After not seeing it for sixteen years she had forgotten what it looked like and when she saw the crate about to be off-loaded asked the removal crew to take it away. At the last minute she decided to look in the crate and was surprised and delighted to find the perfect artwork for her dining room! Lastly, hand-torn wallpaper was installed in a custom color in the tray ceiling. As this room is used for dinner parties, games and even casual dining we decided not to install a rug for ease of use and movement around the table. Photographer: Rolando Diaz

This reclaimed wood dining room table has a parquet finish that is very unique. The dark stained lazy susan is fun for this whole family, and the slipcovered chairs are function and attractive in a sunbrella fabric. Photo by Emily Followill.

Modern Wooden Dining Table Giano by Cattelan Italia. Features: Designed by Manzoni & Tapinassi Round Top Shape Top in Canaletto walnut or burned oak Steel base in white, black or graphite lacquered finish Available in three different sizes Optional swiveling tray (Lazy Susan) in white, black or graphite frosted glass Matching Magda dining chairs upholstered in synthetic leather, fabric or genuine italian leather The starting price is for the Giano Round Dining Table D55". Dimensions: Dining Table: D55" x H30" Dining Table: D63" x H30" Dining Table: D71" x H30" Dining Chair: W21" x D22" x H32" Seating High: 18.9"

Example of a minimalist dining room design in Seattle

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TK Images
Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in Houston with gray walls and no fireplace

Inspiration for a transitional great room remodel in Miami

A sweet little breakfast nook sits adjacent to the entryway and continues to incorporate the "rustic" modern feel with the wood table and modern light fixture. We love the wood sunburst mirror and how it brings the space to life.

This dining room is a great space for large gatherings. The soft colors make the room feel serene, but the pops of orange in the centerpiece and jewel colors in the artwork create some interest that tie things together. For this young couple, the lighting really needed to be unique and not seen in every new construction project. Cut velvet fabric on the back of dining chairs adds a cool texture and pattern to the space, while the leather seats make for maintenance friendly dining. The arched windows are framed by simple silk drapery panels to let in just enough light, and the custom light-colored rug creates a great anchor for the beautiful wood dining table. Design: Wesley-Wayne Interiors Photo: Dan Piassick

Dining room - large traditional dark wood floor dining room idea in Columbus with gray walls

Paul S. Bartholomew
Transitional dark wood floor and brown floor dining room photo in New York with blue walls

David O Marlow
Trendy dining room photo in Denver with beige walls

Small trendy painted wood floor and white floor kitchen/dining room combo photo in New York with beige walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary brown floor great room remodel in San Francisco with white walls

Mocha grass cloth lines the walls, oversized bronze pendant with brass center hangs over custom 7.5 foot square x base dining table, custom faux leather dining chairs. Meghan Beierle

Photo by: Andrew Pogue Photography
Great room - modern great room idea in Denver with white walls

Mid-sized transitional dining room photo in DC Metro with white walls